I have been employed by the Janesville – Waldorf – Pemberton independent school district #2835 for the past fourteen years. My educational background includes: 1997 graduate of Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton high school, 2002 graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato with a degree in Life Science and Secondary Education, and lastly a 2008 Master’s Degree in Education from St. Mary’s University. Currently, I teach a wide variety of subjects in the high school that revolve around the science field. During the fourteen years I have instructed 10th grade Biology which is now 11th grade Biology, Wildlife Management, 8th grade Earth Science, 7th grade Life Science, and last year we just began College In the Schools (CIS) 1135 Anatomy and Physiology.

I believe that education is a partnership between the teacher and pupil. Within this partnership there are responsibilities that need to be met by both parties. Giving and receiving respect is one of the biggest underlying qualities of all great educators and students alike. Once this is established other high character qualities like trust and leadership are more easily demonstrated. I believe that as educators we must, at all times, be a good role model for the students. We need to be the example of what it means to be a good citizen in society. I think teachers have a responsibility to show a genuine interest in the student’s life in and outside of school. I also think it is the teacher’s responsibility to provide a positive classroom environment by being open and honest. Lastly, students learn in different ways. It is our job to figure out each student’s learning attributes and try to use those qualities to help them achieve beyond the students own expectations.